Chosen Solution
Where can I find instructions for the removal and replacement for the Lenovo YOGA 730-15IKB 81CU keyboard
This model uses a plastic welded keyboard, which requires you to replace the entire palmrest as a unit. In addition, a few of these have a “paired (calibrated)” trackpad, so the whole thing has to be replaced. The problem with these laptops is the part tends to be as much or very close to another used example of the same laptop in many cases so it’s rarely cost effective unless you have a higher end machine with specs that justify the cost. That said, the part number will either be 5CB0Q96465 or 5CB0Q96436. If you can, I’d take the laptop apart first to see which one yours needed just in case the 465 part isn’t compatible with 436 laptops. Usually taking the battery out should be enough to check as you just need to confirm it. They both come with the BL keyboard and look functionally identical, so I have no idea why the Part# is different on two identical parts - possibly different revisions?
The Lenovos are a full tear down unfortunately to get to the internal keyboard and backplate. But if you go slow and careful removing the logic board and other parts is relatively methodical and doable.
Keep magnets available if you don’t have a mag screw mat, to hold screws I use the little round ones you can get packs of on amazon. Take pics with your phone at stages beginning to end so you can reverse the process if you’re uncomfortable this will help you remember where different screws, wire attachments, and components go.
The ‘plastic riveted keyboards and keyboard backplate repairs simply require a high-quality super glue like the original super glue gel version. Once finished just put a dollop of superglue gel where the old rivets were and let them dry. Placing it near a fan or waving a hairdryer at it on low moving back and forth and far enough away so it doesn’t melt things. It should only take a few minutes to cure.
Don’t use ordinary tape as it degrades and breaks down over time. If you don’t ‘plastic rivet’ the keyboard in again it will also not feel ridged and have bows or flex points making the keyboard mushy in spots. Not a good feeling when typing.
You can use hot glue but it’s messy and frankly not needed.
This keyboard is ABS plastic welded rivet.. You need a razor knife to gently cut the plastic welds/rivet. They will look like a mini mushroom. It is basically welded plastic rivet. You are going to need a hot glue gun to put the new one in place and fill the old plastic rivet/pimple holes.
Update to my previous posted method: I’ve revised my method using UV epoxy resin it’s the perfect application. It doesn’t set till you hit it with UV light and it dries harder and is not brittle like super glue can and in beads for a much more rigid keyboard repair. You can get it cheap on amazon in pens or in bottles. I picked up a wide-mouth UV light so I can just set a whole cluster at a time, setting the light down and pushing on the keyboard and backing. Dries in about 5sec.
